What are the causes of engine oil leakage?
3 Answers
Engine oil leakage causes: The rubber gaskets on the engine age and harden, and engines with higher operating temperatures and greater cylinder pressure are more prone to oil leakage. As the most critical component in the engine lubrication system, engine oil performs the function of lubricating the relatively friction surfaces inside the engine, while also providing cooling, sealing, leak prevention, rust prevention, corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. Due to its vital role in the engine, engine oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of the engine. The engine is not a single unit but consists of four parts, from top to bottom: the valve cover, cylinder head, cylinder block, and oil pan.
Engine oil leakage is commonly caused by seal issues. As someone who drives an older car, I've encountered this problem several times. The rubber gasket on the oil pan ages and hardens, cracking and leaking when heated. The same goes for the valve cover gasket—if it's worn out or improperly installed during an oil change, it leaks. Another issue is when the oil filter connection isn't tightened properly, or if the oil seal, like the crankshaft seal, is damaged, causing oil to drip. In some cases, the engine might have been damaged in a collision or severely corroded, leading to gaps and oil leaks. If not detected early, low oil levels increase friction, potentially ruining the engine. A mechanic once told me that regularly checking gaskets and seals can save a lot on repair costs. Remember, addressing it early prevents both wallet burns and safety risks.
Last time my car had an engine oil leak, which almost ruined my weekend trip. The cause was a cracked valve cover gasket, as the seal failed due to high temperatures or the use of low-quality engine oil. The oil kept dripping, and I could see stains on the ground. Other possible causes include a loosely installed oil filter or a damaged oil pan seal, as aging is quite common. If oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe or heater components, it could even pose a fire hazard. I later learned to regularly check the engine chassis for oil stains, especially during seasonal changes when seals are prone to issues. Buying and replacing a new seal is also an option—simple and cost-effective. The key is not to ignore small leaks, as they can turn into major disasters.
